Includes bibliographical refereces and index.

Prefatory essays. The liturgy : Lutheran confessional theology, presuppositions, and definitions / Thomas M. Winger -- The pastor as presider / William M. Cwirla -- Soaked in Christ : the gift of symbolism / Kent J. Burreson -- Vestments and vessels / Timothy C.J. Quill -- Liturgical song / contributions by Scott E. Johnson, Andrew S. Gerike, Paul J. Grime -- Planning corporate worship / Paul J. Grime -- The making of Lutheran service book / Paul J. Grime -- The church year. Lectionary and church year ; Times and seasons of the church year ; The sanctoral cycle ; Daily prayer and the daily lectionary / D. Richard Stuckwisch Jr. -- The divine service : historical introduction / Thomas M. Winger -- The divine service : commentary. Confession and absolution / Mark P. Surburg -- Service of the Word / Paul J. Grime -- Service of the sacrament / Paul J. Grime, Mark P. Surburg -- The daily office : historical introduction / Thomas M. Winger -- The daily office : commentary / Paul J. Grime -- Appendix: Comparing the content and conduct of the divine service and the daily office / Paul J. Grimes -- Miscellaneous services / Paul J. Grime -- The pastoral acts : Holy Baptism ; Confirmation ; Holy Matrimony ; The burial rites / Frank J. Pies -- Lent and Holy Week : Ash Wednesday with optional imposition of ashes ; Sunday of the Passion with the procession of palms ; Holy (Maundy) Thursday ; Good Friday ; Vigil of Easter / Randy K. Asburry -- Appendixes. Athanasian Creed : history and translation notes / James A. Kellerman -- Language guidelines and principles for translation for the Lutheran Hymnal Project -- Feasts, festivals, and commemorations -- The Psalter in recent Lutheran hymnals -- Indexes of the propers.